Arkansas: Same-Sex Couples Sue Health Officials Over Birth Certificates

The AP is reporting that three same-sex couples have filed lawsuits in Arkansas as state Health officials refused to list both parents on their children's birth certificates.

The married women said in the lawsuit filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court that the state Health Department would list only the biological mother on the birth certificate, and said they were told they would need a court order to name both spouses. The couples sought the birth certificates after last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down gay marriage bans nationwide.

The lawsuit says not providing the birth certificates "(deprives) these children of the dignity, legitimacy, security, support and protections provided to children of heterosexual couples, regardless of marital status."

Of course, if these were opposite-sex couples there would be no problem listing the two parents.

A spokesperson for the state Attorney General's office has declined to comment.